The Denver Broncos have signed offensive lineman Evan Mathis and the team now has some added protection up front for quarterback Peyton Manning and this comes as CJ Anderson and Ronnie Hillman are set to be the top two running backs on the depth chart ahead of Montee Ball heading out of the preseason.
Mathis has been on the market since his release from the Eagles earlier in the offseason and there were a number of teams interested in signing the guard. According to Pro Football Talk, Mathis has signed a one-year deal and it could be worth $4 million "if he meets playing-time incentives." The Miami Dolphins and Rams reportedly had interest in Mathis, but the lineman said that he "couldn't turn down" the chance to play with a "contender."
Mathis visited with the Seahawks previously and PFT reported that Mathis also had another offer from a team that was equal to his salary from when he was with the Eagles. Mathis was set to make $5.5 million for the Eagles before he was released. The Broncos have dealt with some injuries on the offensive line this offseason and adding Mathis will give the team a consistent guard option when he is on the field. Pro Football Focus rated Mathis as one of the best guards in the league last season.
The Broncos had lost Ryan Clady to an injury this offseason and now the 33-year-old comes in and should start right away. ESPN reported that the contract has a $2.5 million base salary and could rise if he meets incentives. The Broncos could push Mathis into the starting lineup for Max Garcia if they don't shift anyone and that would make the offensive line Mathis, Chris Clark, Louis Vasquez, Ty Sambrailo and Matt Paradis.
The Broncos have a new head coach in Gary Kubiak and the offensive scheme could be a little different this season from what Manning and the team ran under Adam Gase. Manning should have another good year, but he is up there in age and that means the rushing attack will have to be consistent this season. CJ Anderson looks like he will be the starter for the Broncos and it comes as he has had an impressive training camp and offseason.
Anderson was the most effective back last season for the Broncos, rushing for 849 yards and eight touchdowns while making 34 catches for 324 yards. The bulk of those yards came down the stretch for the Broncos, including when he went back to back games with 167 rushing yards and 168 rushing yards in a two week stretch. Anderson averaged over 4.5 yards per carry last season and as long as he is healthy he likely will be the starter to open the season.
The Denver Post reports that Ronnie Hillman has played himself into a bigger role on the team, as Ball has been "slumping" and Kubiak said that Hillman "deserves more reps." Hillman had a down year in 2014 while dealing with injuries and he finished with 434 yards and three TDs. Ball has not looked great this offseason and the Post reports that Juwan Thompson could be "pushing" Ball for the number three spot on the roster. Last season Ball had only 172 yards in five games while dealing with injuries.
